7 ways stress harms your body

Joan Kibugi

November 19, 2018 3:25 PM

Stress is bad for your health

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Everyone experiences a bit of stress every now and then.

Stress is caused by many things and it leads one to overthink things. One could get stressed from anything; starting from relationship problems to school to financial burdens. We all have highs and lows in life, but how you deal with the lows is really important as stress can even lead to depression. One thing that many people do not know is that stress is very bad for your body’s health and harms you in many ways you may not know of. So, if you constantly feel stressed, it’s important to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, exercise regularly and try to get at least eight hours of sleep everyday as doctors say that doing these things reduces stress. Here’s how stress harms your body:

1. Stress ruins your sleep.

Stress sets your mind racing with worries and anxieties and such thoughts keep you awake all night. The worst part about lack of sleep is that it leads to more stress! Plus, you will wake up looking tired – eyebags and such.

2. Stress affects your skin.

Skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, alopecia and eczema are not caused by stress. However, if you have them, stress can make them worse and even make wounds you have worse, not forgetting skin breakouts.

ALSO READ: 6 great foods to eat when stressed

3. It’s bad for your heart.

During episodes of stress, adrenaline is released and this causes an increase in your heart rate and blood pressure.

4. Chronic stress makes you susceptible to diseases.

The more stressed you are, the higher your chances of getting a cold, for instance.

5. It messes up with your digestive system.

Your brain and gut are controlled by many of the same hormones, so a stressed brain can sometimes lead to heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

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6. Low libido.

An emotionally drained person who is under a lot of stress usually has very low libido and the last thing on their mind is sex. This can affect a relationship, especially if your partner is not understanding.

7. Weight fluctuations.

Stress slows down your metabolism, making you gain weight. Stress makes you either overeat or fail to eat, which can lead to weight fluctuations.

ALSO READ: 7 signs you're stressed and need to take a break ASAP